From global exposure to local realities: Examining how foreign adaptation and individualism shape Chinese returnees’ perceived discrimination

Abstract

In the post-COVID-19 era, discrimination is a common challenge for international student returnees to handle during their (re)acculturation. Using a cross-sectional survey design, the study surveyed 1014 Chinese international student returnees from WeChat public groups. Bayesian analysis aided by Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms was used for statistical analysis. The findings suggest that higher foreign adaptation is associated with increased perceived domestic discrimination. Returnees’ level of individualistic value attachment alone is not a significant factor associated with perceived domestic discrimination. However, returnees’ individualistic value attachment positively moderates the relationship between foreign adaptation and perceived discrimination, suggesting that returnees who uphold individualistic value attachment and have higher levels of foreign adaptation would experience a greater level of discrimination. The results underscore the need for inclusive policies, mentorship, and cultural intelligence training in universities and workplaces to support smoother reacculturation and enhance returnees’ well-being.